iPhone 7 Model Numbers Explained

Every time Apple releases an iPhone, it comes in different size, color and also different models. For example Apple’s latest iPhone (7) besides coming in 2 sizes (7 & 7 plus) and a bunch of colors (Rose Gold, Gold, Silver, Black, Jet Black), it comes in 6 different models too which are A1660, A1661, A1778, A1784, A1779 and A1785.

In this post I will be explaining why Apple has different iPhone models and what are the differences between them.

iPhone 7 Model Numbers Explained

Just like every year, Apple releases the iPhone in several countries with different carrier support. They come in different model numbers and it makes users confused on which one to choose!

The reason for this different model structure from Apple is that the model chips of the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus are from two manufacturers, Intel and Qualcomm, and some of the models can’t perform well on a specific carrier network. Therefore, if you’re planing to buy an iPhone, before ordering it online or going to the stores, you should check them out carefully, or your phone might not function properly! Especially if you are a traveler and you’re not sure whether the iPhone 7 you are going to purchase will be supported by the network providers around the world.

At the moment, we have the following model numbers: A1660, A1661, A1778, A1784, A1779, A1785.

You can find the model number of an iPhone by looking at the back of the box or the back of the iPhone.

So let’s see the differences between them.

iPhone 7

1. A1660: The iPhone 7 A1660 is considered the global phone as it is compatible with both GSM and CDMA networks. This model is available in the United States, Puerto Rico, Hong Kong and China. In the US, you can get the A1660 on Sprint and Verizon, when you buy the SIM-free version, or when you buy the locked AT&T phone at BestBuy.

2. A1778: The iPhone 7 A1778 has a very similar cellular connectivity as the A1660, except that there is no support for TD-SCDMA and CDMA EV-DO Rev. A bands. Therefore, the phone won’t work properly on CDMA networks like Sprint or Verizon although you still can make phone calls via Voice-over-LTE (VoLTE). In the US, you can purchase the version at T-Mobile and AT&T. This can also be found in many European and Asian countries like the UK, France, Germany, Denmark, Greece, Italy, Spain, Singapore, and Australia.

3. A1779: The iPhone 7 A1779 is released for the Japanese market. The most important difference is not cellular bands but the addition of FeliCa Type-F NFC contactless technology which will allow users to use Apple Pay in Japan. You can easily get the phone via carriers like AU, Docomo, and Softbank. Notably, the A1779 covers some more LTE bands like band 11 used by AU by KDDI, and Softbank, and band 21 used by Docomo.

iPhone 7 Plus

1. A1661: The iPhone 7 Plus A1661 is the most comprehensive model as it works on almost all GSM and CDMA carriers. The world phone is available at Sprint and Verizon in the US, as well as some other countries like Puerto Rico, Hong Kong and China. This is also the model you will receive when you buy the SIM-free unlocked version or when you buy the locked AT&T phone at BestBuy.

2. A1784: The A1784 model is available at T-Mobile and AT&T in the US, as well as carriers in the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Germany, Singapore, Denmark, Spain, and Australia. You can also buy it as a contract-free/unlocked version at Apple Store. The phone is not fully compatible with CDMA carriers including Sprint and Verizon, however, you still can use 3G or 4G LTE for voice and data services.

3. A1785: The iPhone 7 Plus A1785 is available in Japan and it will be the first iPhone supporting Apple Pay in this country. Apple added the FeliCa tap-to-pay support, so now you can pay at convenience stores, vending machines and other retail locations in Japan. The A1785 is fully compatible with Docomo, AU, and Softbank after the addition of the LTE bands 11 and 21.